Truck Crash into the Vermont River After Car Runs Trucker Off of the Road

NBC 5 reports that on Tuesday, a truck driver in Swanton, Vermont, had a frightening experience when his tractor-trailer went off the road and ended up in the Missisquoi River. The accident happened on Route 78, close to Louie’s Landing. The incident led to a quick rescue and a temporary road closure while crews worked to get the truck out of the water.

What Happened

The Vermont State Police and the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles reported that the accident took place when 40-year-old Balwinder Singh from Fresno, California, tried to avoid a crash with another vehicle. The other vehicle had crossed into Singh’s lane, forcing him to swerve onto the shoulder of the road. Unfortunately, he lost control of the truck, which then went into the river.

Chief Daniel Chevalier of the Swanton Fire Department said Singh told them he was trying to avoid a car that was crowding his lane as he drove around a curve. This sudden movement caused Singh to lose control, leading to the truck leaving the road and ending up in the river.

Rescue and Recovery After the Truck Crash

Despite the scary situation, Singh managed to get out of the truck’s cab and climbed onto its roof. However, his medical condition made it impossible for him to reach the shore by himself. Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene and helped him to safety. Singh was then taken to Northwest Medical Center in St. Albans, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.

The crews then faced a tough job—getting the truck out of the river. They were able to pull the cab out of the water in about 45 minutes, but the trailer, which was full of chocolate, was harder to recover. The roof of the trailer was damaged, making it risky to remove without spilling the contents into the river.

A Dangerous Road

Chief Chevalier pointed out that this part of Route 78 is known for accidents involving large trucks. The road is very narrow, and the shoulder offers little room for error, making it a risky area for 18-wheelers. According to Chevalier, similar accidents happen about four times a year on this road.

The road was closed for several hours while crews worked to remove the truck and ensure the area was safe. By the evening, the road was fully reopened, although the cleanup in the river continued into the next day.

Concerns After the Truck Crash

There are now concerns about the environment, as crews work to make sure the river is not polluted by the chocolate that spilled from the trailer. The damaged roof of the trailer made the recovery more difficult, but efforts are ongoing to clean up the area and protect the river.

As the cleanup continues, authorities may need to consider adding safety measures on Route 78 to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.